Chugger problems

[ben the brewman]

I have heard from a brew shop that sells the chugger pumps that there is a few issues with them. One that I remember is that when they are being made (in china) they are using peanut oil as the lube on the pump bushing and it is not lasting after they get hot and causing the pump to lock up. I have also heard about a few of them having magnet problems too. I have a march pump and im not sure that I would ever trade it for a chugger pump. Too many problems.

 

[PLOVE]

Plove, you couldn't pull the trigger if you wanted to as the last batch is already sold out!

I'm starting to think I'm pretty happy I didn't pull the trigger. Guess you get what you pay for. Probably gonna take my business to March and go with a more proven pump. Based on all the comments it's clear Chugger's doing their best to support the customer, and I applaud that. Just can't justify a few $$$ in savings when I have to do things like drill out the impeller. . .

May your pumps be cool and lubricated
PLOVE

 

[bcryan]

guess i won't be buying a chugger. too bad. i liked the price

 

[milldoggy]

Anyone have both? Could you try the chugger head on the march motor and vice versa, try to find if it is the motor or head.

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[WalterAtMarchPump]

If the pump is decoupling around 170/180* then the magnets are just not magnetized strong enough. "Most" magnets wont start to loose magnetism until around 250* and at that point you will loose about 10% of the magnetic strength each time you overheat it.
I suspect (since i have no idea how things are done at chugger) that they are at the mercy of the Chinese company that is making the pumps for them as to keeping quality control on the magnets strength etc. Chugger is probably just getting the shipment from over seas and selling the product and dealing with any problems if they show up.
I think we have a slight advantage in having our own magnetizing machine in-house and being able to check each impeller and drive magnet for proper torque.

-Walter

 

[NTabb]

I have a chugger and have issues as well when it gets above 170F. I hope they get the problems figured out because they have one of the best customer service I've dealt with. That being said, I have a March 809 as well and NEVER had a single issue at any temp. Which is why I just bought another one.

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

For what it is worth.... Brewed my second batch with the Chugger (delivered on 12/09/11)... No problems...

Didn't try the rolling boil again (which the Chugger failed at--see earlier video).

That said, you don't get something for nothing in this world. March stainless pumps are running $250 plus.

The Chugger is stainless, its cheap ($100 less anyway), and it works for what I need (so far).

Unless the problem is of the type that will manifest later after some use--I am pretty happy. I can live without pumping wort at a rolling boil.

I also have a March pump and it has been a very good pump.... And it was only $100 when I bought it ages ago.

 

[Coff]

I wish I would have seen this thread a few weeks ago when I bought a Chugger. The first brewday I used it I was getting the screaming cat noise constantly and the flow was a trickle. At the time I was using 1/2 ID Silicone tubing slipped over the nipple on the valve so I just assumed there was air in the lines. Ive since got my camlocks on the same tubing and ran the pump 30 seconds after the boil during cooling and it went great no issues at all.

Edit: I have the newish one, not the green one. On my next brewday I'll try to pump while boiling, although I dont ever do that with my system so Im not too concerned. As long as I can whirlpool and transfer sparge water Im good.

 

[ElevenBrewCo]

Im going to drill out my impellar, brew this weekend and fill you guys in with what happened

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[GreenBoneBrew]

Yea im thinking the same thing now... I was about to order one of the new ss chuggers, but really don't want to deal with these problems to save a few bucks off the march and get a ss head that doesn't move hot wort.

I'm starting to think I'm pretty happy I didn't pull the trigger. Guess you get what you pay for. Probably gonna take my business to March and go with a more proven pump. Based on all the comments it's clear Chugger's doing their best to support the customer, and I applaud that. Just can't justify a few $$$ in savings when I have to do things like drill out the impeller. . .

May your pumps be cool and lubricated
PLOVE

guess i won't be buying a chugger. too bad. i liked the price

let me try rolling boil...

EDIT: uploading video for youtube and will post...

EDIT 2:

Chugger = no likely rolling boil

March = fine with rolling boil (at least this time--I have had same pump have problems with rollling boil--but just stops pumping does not making dying cat noise)

Not really a problem for me... I don't move wort at rolling boil for anything.... only at 211F (sea level)--and that works fine with the chugger.

Chugger (see @ 1:00 minute mark) fails with roiling boil: P1010035 - YouTube

March does not fail with rolling boil: P1010037 - YouTube

Again, Chugger did not fail at 200F to boil... Only failed at rolling boil.

Useful information those choosing... For me, I guess, the heavily discounted Chugger pump, is worth not have the capability to move wort at a rolling boil (when are people doing that?)

damn, I was about to pull the trigger on 2 chuggers. Looks like I'm gonna go March. Anyone experience the same issues with March pumps?

I'm going with a March 809 SS. The last thing I want is to run it problems on a brew day. To me, when I have to devote time fixing or have something fixed, is time that I could be doing something else. Sometimes spending money up front is the correct thing to do.

Did Chugger even do any testing on these pumps, besides shooting water into a trash can (pic seen on Faceook). Theses are issues that would have surfaced during testing. What about a tolerance analysis and DFEMA? Those could of helped with surfacing problems up front also.

 

[IrregularPulse]

I'm going with a March 809 SS. The last thing I want is to run it problems on a brew day. To me, when I have to devote time fixing or have something fixed, is time that I could be doing something else. Sometimes spending money up front is the correct thing to do.

Did Chugger even do any testing on these pumps, besides shooting water into a trash can (pic seen on Faceook). Theses are issues that would have surfaced during testing. What about a tolerance analysis and DFEMA? Those could of helped with surfacing problems up front also.

You'd be paying for all that testing and quality control as well. Good bye cheap alternative. You can't expect half price and full functionality.

 

[GreenBoneBrew]

You'd be paying for all that testing and quality control as well. Good bye cheap alternative. You can't expect half price and full functionality.

Why would I want a cheap alternative that could fail (and sounds like it will) on me and screw up the timing of my brew? I'm not looking to go through the hassle of returning pumps and waiting. I've done that with computers and beater cars. Lesson learned, buy the good stuff and leave the lesser products to the people who think they are "saving money".

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

Spoke with Mike again on the phone today. I emailed him the videos and he called me the same day.

Don't hang the company out to dry--they are working pretty hard to fix this. In my line of work--I deal with other people's problems all the time--so I am patient and listen and try not jump to conclusions. I also deal with enough people to know the good from the bad. He is good people.

Don't just label his stuff crap. I don't think that is fair after speaking with him. In my opinion (and nothing to do with the conversation with Mike), we all have a desire for a nice pump at a nice price!

From my conversation with him--> I can tell you he is actively trying to do that.... Don't buy the pump if you have concerns--that is totally understandable. But my bet is this will all be worked out...

From the conversation--I gather it is a new pump. It is similar to Marches--however not completely the same design. They working out the bugs. Perhaps some of the bugs--increased flow and such were meant to be improvements.

Anyway he went over a couple things with my pump setup. This is what I got from the conversation:

They have sold a lot of them and there was a few of them that unfortunately had a bad batch of magnets in them. If you are one of them--call him--they are replacing those. Be a touch patient--I think they will make it right for you in the end.

Also, they are testing the pumps specifically for this problem (with boiling water) before they leave the shop. There are initials scratched into the bottom mounting plate showing that (on mine anyway).

For whatever reason, my pump failed (with boiling wort) and Mike had some suggestions that I will try and get back to everyone. If that doesn't work he's willing to send a replacement. They are working to fix this issue.

I am patient and don't mind working with him---because IMO people like him--made this hobby in the first place (it wasn't nearly as popular when I started!)--and they make it better now by adding competition, reducing prices, and maintaining a steady flow of new ideas and ingenuity.

This type of effort should be supported by fellow homebrewers. He is not trying to rip anyone off with a sub-par product. Pump has some bugs--they'll figure it out.

 

[Option]

All the best luck to them at Chugger and everyone with there pumps. I applaud his customer service and standing firmly behind his product.

I was ready to buy one but after doing the research I decided to go with the March 809 High Flow model from Morebeer.

I am about to fire up a all new system and want to reduce the possibility of weak links as much as possible.

Happy brewing and pumping!

 

[emjay]

I admit I haven't looked too in-depth into this, but is there any problem with their SS heads?

I already have March pumps, but I want to use SS heads and figured the Chugger ones would make it affordable. But if they're causing any problems, I'll just stick with the polysulfone for now...

 

[DubBrew]

Wow am I glad I found this thread. I've had a chugger for several months and I've had problems the whole time. I figured it was my setup and I've messed with it, got new connections and all kind of other stuff. I was ignorant to the temperature problem. I was about to give up. Shame on me for not contacting them earlier.

I've since emailed chugger and have not heard back but I'm hopeful that they will make it right when they do get back to me.

 

[phoenixs4r]

So for those having issues, hows your plumbing? 1/2" in 1/2" out (ID) with a valve on the output?

 

[DubBrew]

1/2" id throughout the whole system. I had some of the Mcmaster-carr disconnects that were smaller and I thought they could be the problem do I swapped them for cam locks.

Edit: stupid auto correct

 

[Coldies]

So for those having issues, hows your plumbing? 1/2" in 1/2" out (ID) with a valve on the output?

That's my set up. I have noticed mine is getting worse. I can barely make it through my re-circulation with my RIMS set up. Sparging at 170-180 is almost now out of the question. I contacted Chugger through the "Got a problem" and am just waiting for a response.

 

[weirdboy]

So for those having issues, hows your plumbing? 1/2" in 1/2" out (ID) with a valve on the output?

That is what I have. 1/2" camlocks, and full-bore barbs connecting those to the hoses.

 

[Coldies]

I just want to do a quick update on Chuggers customer service. I e-mailed Mike at Chugger around 10 minutes ago. I already got a response from him and he will be sending me a new impeller. Pretty awesome customer service if you ask me. Lets hope this solves the problem.

 

[DubBrew]

I just want to do a quick update on Chuggers customer service. I e-mailed Mike at Chugger around 10 minutes ago. I already got a response from him and he will be sending me a new impeller. Pretty awesome customer service if you ask me. Lets hope this solves the problem.

What email address did you use, I emailed yesterday and have not heard anything.

 

[Coldies]

What email address did you use, I emailed yesterday and have not heard anything.

I went on Chuggers home page and there is a option on the lower left hand side that say's "Got at problem with your Chugger" or something along those lines. I filled it out and included my e-mail address. Hope this helps.

 

[DubBrew]

I went on Chuggers home page and there is a option on the lower left hand side that say's "Got at problem with your Chugger" or something along those lines. I filled it out and included my e-mail address. Hope this helps.

Thanks, I just used their general contract form. I'll try you wash a see how it goes.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Why would I want a cheap alternative that could fail (and sounds like it will) on me and screw up the timing of my brew? I'm not looking to go through the hassle of returning pumps and waiting. I've done that with computers and beater cars. Lesson learned, buy the good stuff and leave the lesser products to the people who think they are "saving money".

Didn't say you would, but some do. Hence the popularity of the Chugger.

 

[DubBrew]

I went on Chuggers home page and there is a option on the lower left hand side that say's "Got at problem with your Chugger" or something along those lines. I filled it out and included my e-mail address. Hope this helps.

I got a prompt response from Mike using this contact. Thanks! Here's to hoping the issue can be resolved.

 

[kincade]

Wow, I'm surprised on all the people who have come out of the woodwork to criticize Chugger, most of which have not spent their money on the pump! If you don't want one, don't buy one, it's a fairly easy decision. I simply can't afford $350 for a stainless March pump and I will not buy a plastic pump, so it was a no brainer for me.

For me, I'm quite satisfied so far with Chugger's response to my problem. I received my replacement pump last night and will be doing some testing with it over the weekend to make sure it works for me. If we still have a problem I'll likely return the pump, and I'm sure they will take care of me. I only wish all the manufacturers had customer service this good. I've read blichmann threads where users had warped bottoms, and blichmann recommended they 'pound it back out'. And that was for a $400 pot, not a $150 pump.

 

[Randar]

Wow, I'm surprised on all the people who have come out of the woodwork to criticize Chugger, most of which have not spent their money on the pump! If you don't want one, don't buy one, it's a fairly easy decision. I simply can't afford $350 for a stainless March pump and I will not buy a plastic pump, so it was a no brainer for me.

For me, I'm quite satisfied so far with Chugger's response to my problem. I received my replacement pump last night and will be doing some testing with it over the weekend to make sure it works for me. If we still have a problem I'll likely return the pump, and I'm sure they will take care of me. I only wish all the manufacturers had customer service this good. I've read blichmann threads where users had warped bottoms, and blichmann recommended they 'pound it back out'. And that was for a $400 pot, not a $150 pump.

Discussing a product's quality or issues people run into when actually using it seems like the perfect topic for these boards.

As for the "plastic" concerns... I guess I don't get the issue unless you want bling or bash your pump around and risk cracking the pump head.

These polymers are rigid, high-strength, and transparent, retaining these properties between −100 °C and 150 °C. It has very high dimensional stability; the size change when exposed to boiling water or 150 °C air or steam generally falls below 0.1%. Its glass transition temperature is 185 °C.

Polysulfone is highly resistant to mineral acids, alkali, and electrolytes, in pH ranging from 2 to 13. It is resistant to oxidizing agents, therefore it can be cleaned by bleaches. It is also resistant to surfactants and hydrocarbon oils. It is not resistant to low-polar organic solvents (e.g. ketones and chlorinated hydrocarbons), and aromatic hydrocarbons. Mechanically, polysulfone has high compaction resistance, recommending its use under high pressures. It is also stable in aqueous acids and bases and many non-polar solvents; however it is soluble in dichloromethane and methylpyrrolidone.[1]

So, are you concerned because you plan to run 150C steam through it?

 

[kincade]

Discussing a product's quality or issues people run into when actually using it seems like the perfect topic for these boards.

As for the "plastic" concerns... I guess I don't get the issue unless you want bling or bash your pump around and risk cracking the pump head.


So, are you concerned because you plan to run 150C steam through it?

I'm not sure why my plastic concerns are any of your business? Unless you are planning to pay for my purchases this seems like you are just trying to pick a fight with an issue that has been beaten to death on HBT. Would you also like to discuss my decisions regarding oxyclean vs PBW, or betterbottles vs carboys? I've made my decision and you are free to make your own as well.

 

[Randar]

I'm not sure why my plastic concerns are any of your business? Unless you are planning to pay for my purchases this seems like you are just trying to pick a fight with an issue that has been beaten to death on HBT. Would you also like to discuss my decisions regarding oxyclean vs PBW, or betterbottles vs carboys? I've made my decision and you are free to make your own as well.

Chill out. It's a question why people brand it as "plastic" when that is misleading. It's polysulfone.

I'm not trying to pick a fight. I applaud Mike's customer service and responsiveness when faced with a quality control issue and some functional issues with the product he is selling.

On the other hand, I am not one who is going to applaud him stealing a design of a manufacturer he was distributing for, outsourcing it to China, and then selling it as his own. But, that is my own prerogative and I am fine with others making their own moral judgements on the issue. I don't believe I have attacked anyone simply for having done business with Chugger.


And I believe my question to you about your issue with polysulfone is valid even if you don't want to answer. No reason to get all panty-bunched.